Students, alumni, faculty and administrators stood outside the entrance to the ground floor of Downing Student Union in 90-degree weather to celebrate the community opening of the building.

The student center, which has undergone a $49 million renovation for the past two years, opened Monday.

Many prominent WKU officials were in attendance including President Gary Ransdell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Gordon Emslie, Vice President for Student Affairs Howard Bailey and Student Government Association President Nicki Seay.

Several speakers reminisced on history of the 44-year-old multi-story building and it’s current impact. 

“When I was a student, when this building originally opened, Dero Downing was my president,” Ransdell said. “So it was an honor for me to hang out in the building that bore his name and I know our students today still have that same honor…”

Following the cutting of a ceremonial red ribbon, the community was invited to tour DSU before the 6:30 p.m. WKU football game vs. Bowling Green State University Falcons.

For more coverage, pick up the Sept. 2 edition of the College Heights Herald.